Honesty in Irish (Cneastacht): Meaning & Pronunciation

Q: What is the Irish for honesty?

The Irish for honesty is cneastacht (pronounced “KNAS-tukht”). It’s a feminine noun. Depending on context it can also mean mildness.

Q: Does cneastacht have more than one meaning?

Yes. Cneastacht can mean honesty or mildness, depending on context; the first is the most common.

How to say “honesty” in Irish

Irish:: cneastacht
English:: honesty, mildness
Word type:: noun
Gender:: feminine, third declension
Pronunciation:: “KNAS-tukht” /ˈkɲasˠt̪ˠəxt̪ˠ/

Various forms

Genitive singular:: cneastachta, na cneastachta (e.g. luach na cneastachta, the value of honesty)

What does “cneastacht” mean?

“Cneastacht” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.

honesty: The quality of being honest, decent and sincere in dealings with others.Also: sincerity, decency, uprightness.

1 other meaning: mildness

2mildness: A gentle, modest and seemly manner in how a person behaves.Also: gentleness, seemliness, modesty.

Other Irish words for honesty: ionracas (honesty), macántacht (honesty)

“Cneastacht” with the article

Here is cneastacht after the article (an t-alt).

an chneastacht

the honesty

Lenition: c becomes ch after an (feminine noun)

“Cneastacht” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using cneastacht, the Irish word for honesty.

Tá cneastacht ag baint leis i gcónaí.

He is always honest.

Mholamar cneastacht an fhir óig.

We praised the young man's honesty.

Is mór agam a cneastacht.

I value her honesty greatly.

Ní raibh cneastacht ar bith ina chuid cainte.

There was no sincerity at all in his talk.

Is í an chneastacht an bua is fearr.

Honesty is the best virtue.

Bhí sí ar fheabhas mar gheall ar a cneastacht.

She was excellent because of her decency.

Labhair sé le cneastacht agus le séimhe.

He spoke with sincerity and gentleness.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

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Honesty in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for honesty?

The Irish for honesty is cneastacht (pronounced “KNAS-tukht”). It’s a feminine noun. Depending on context it can also mean mildness.

How do you pronounce cneastacht in Irish?

Cneastacht is said like “KNAS-tukht” (IPA /ˈkɲasˠt̪ˠəxt̪ˠ/).

Does cneastacht have a plural?

No plural form is given for cneastacht in the standard. Many abstract and mass nouns in Irish have no plural.

Does cneastacht have more than one meaning?

Yes. Cneastacht can mean honesty or mildness, depending on context; the first is the most common.

Why does cneastacht change to chneastacht or gcneastacht?

Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) cneastacht becomes mo chneastacht (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár gcneastacht (eclipsis).

How is cneastacht different from macántacht?

Both can mean honesty, but cneastacht also suggests decency and mildness of manner, while macántacht focuses more on honesty and trustworthiness. The adjective is cneasta, 'decent, honest, mild'.

Honesty in Irish (Cneastacht): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage